Mylar Balloons, Power Lines Don't Mix

Metallic or Mylar balloons are a popular gift for Valentine’s Day, but if they are not handled properly, they can cause serious damage to power lines and ultimately result in power outages.

In February of 2017 alone more than 4,300 customers experienced an outage directly attributed to Mylar balloons. When left untethered and outdoors, they can float into power lines, becoming tangled and causing unexpected power outages. The metallic coating—or Mylar—on the balloons can cause a short circuit and can eventually lead to equipment failure when they come into contact with power lines and can even spark an electrical fire.